Founded in 2012, Veggy is self-described as Turkey’s first plant-based meat alternatives producer, leading the market with innovative solutions in the plant-based sector. The company’s latest product line, Veggy Kids, introduces an exclusive range of vegetable-based products tailored specifically for children, including burgers, nuggets, and meatballs. A breakthrough in nutrition for kids Veggy claims that Veggy Kids is the world’s first comprehensive plant-based product portfolio designed exclusively for children. Launched in over 25,000 stores across Turkey, the brand has quickly gained attention both domestically and internationally. It is now confirmed that Veggy Kids will be available on the shelves of major retailers across the UK, China, the Balkans, and Europe in the first quarter of 2025. As part of its vision, Veggy Kids will focus …
ADM‘s new 2025 Flavour and Colour Trends for Plant-based Applications report outlines the main themes and drivers shaping flavor and color trends for the upcoming year. In this new report, ADM states 2025 will be a year of embracing the “new human nature” and spotlights four key themes that will shape the F&B world and that reflect evolving needs for wellness, affordability and personalization. Kelly Newsome, Global Senior Marketing Manager, Colors & Savory Flavors, ADM, describes what we can expect next year, and explains that “consumers are on a quest for novelty and positive sensory experiences”. What are the flavor and color trends for 2025? How do they fit into plant-based product innovation? As technology continues to advance rapidly, consumers are gravitating toward flavors and …
W-Cycle Ltd., an Israeli clean-tech company specializing in sustainable packaging, has entered into a strategic partnership with Brazil’s Melhoramentos to produce compostable food containers using high-performance cellulose fibers and agricultural waste materials. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”We’re ushering in a new era that could eventually phase out single-use plastic packaging”[/perfectpullquote] Under the terms of the agreement, valued at a minimum of USD 3.45 million over an initial three-year period, W-Cycle will provide Melhoramentos with its proprietary food-grade packaging formula and consulting services. These resources will enable Melhoramentos to produce high-performance biodegradable packaging using renewable materials. The company will also integrate its own cellulose fibers, sourced from its extensive forestry operations covering more than 80 million square meters. The new packaging will be …
Spain’s plant-based sector is the fourth-largest in Europe, behind Germany, the UK, and Italy, and anticipates a 10% growth by 2025. The demand for sustainable products fueled the sector’s growth by 9.4% in 2023, reaching nearly €600 million in sales. Over a third of Spaniards consumed plant-based products in 2023, with 46% of households incorporating plant-based beverages into their diets. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”These figures reaffirm that the plant-based category is fully integrated into society, with a clear contribution to the country’s economy”[/perfectpullquote] These are among various figures from a newly released report by the Spanish Association of Plant-Based F&B Producers Vegetales, and International Financial Analysts (AFI), analyzing the impact of the plant-based market on Spain’s economy and society. A recent …
With plant-based foods making their way onto more plates, consumers are asking critical questions: are these alternatives as nutritious as traditional meat and dairy products, and are they healthy? ProVeg International’s latest study takes a deep dive into the nutritional profiles of 422 meat alternatives and 251 plant-based milk products across 11 countries, comparing them to their animal-based counterparts. The findings reveal a complex but encouraging picture. On average, plant-based meat alternatives have a higher nutritional quality than animal-based meat, with significantly lower levels of saturated fat and vastly more fibre. Plant-based meat alternatives also contain good amounts of protein – a nutrient that is often up for question. Plant-based milk also stands out, with lower fat and sugar levels compared to cow’s milk, while …
San Francisco-based The Every Company has received a $2 million award from the US Department of Defense (DoD) to explore establishing a precision fermentation facility in the US. With the funding, EVERY will conduct a feasibility study for a manufacturing site for its two main fermentation-derived ingredients: OvoBoost, a highly soluble protein for protein-boosting, and OvoPro (ovalbumin) for egg and egg white replacement in food and beverages. In addition, the biotech company will develop military applications using OvoBoost to provide high-quality nutrition via concentrated formats. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] “Investing in biomanufacturing will allow the United States to safeguard reliable domestic supply chains”[/perfectpullquote] Co-founder and CEO Arturo Elizondo commented, “Our technology allows us to bring novel applications to market using our …
Researchers at Fraunhofer IME have partnered with metaX Institut für Diätetik GmbH and candidum GmbH to develop a new type of protein-based sweetener. Called NovelSweets, the project is supporting the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture in its efforts to reduce the sugar content of ready-made foods and beverages. The new sweetener is made from sweet-tasting proteins, molecules that occur naturally in some plants and bind readily to taste receptors for sweet flavors on the tongue. Brazzein, found in the African plant Pentadiplandra brazzeana, is one of the best-known sweet proteins; however, it is difficult to extract from the plant. Instead, the NovelSweets project is developing new protein varieties based on the protein sequence of brazzein. This process involves the use of biotechnology and …
A new report by GFI Europe, based on retail data from Circana, has found that the French market for plant-based alternatives is still growing despite rising food prices. Between 2021 and 2023, plant-based value sales increased by 18%, while volume sales were up 2%. This was despite food price inflation reaching a record high of 15.9% in March 2023. The growth took the total value of the French plant-based market to €648 million in 2023. In some cases, inflation narrowed the price gap between plant-based products and their animal-based counterparts. Dairy-free yogurt was 66% more expensive than regular yogurt in 2021; now, the difference has reduced to 55%. Last year, figures showed that plant-based meat was approaching price parity with conventional meat in France because …
A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) has ranked different types of meat alternatives to determine which is best from the perspective of health, the environment, and cost. Titled A multicriteria analysis of meat and milk alternatives from nutritional, health, environmental, and cost perspectives, the study was led by Dr Marco Springmann from the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford and the Institute for Global Health at University College London. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Reducing meat and dairy in high-income countries is essential for limiting climate change, biodiversity loss, and improving health”[/perfectpullquote] The findings indicate that legumes such as beans and peas are the best meat alternative; if chosen over meat and dairy, …
The plant-based food market in the United States has grown substantially over the past decade, now valued at approximately $8 billion. However, while the sector has shown impressive progress in certain areas, challenges such as inflation, consumer price sensitivity, and evolving consumer preferences continue to shape its trajectory. Market value and consumer preferences According to Statista, plant-based meat substitutes represent the second-largest category within the broader plant-based food market. Despite growing interest, they still trail plant-based milk alternatives, which are valued at around $2.8 billion—double the value of meat substitutes. While the plant-based sector has become more established, consumer engagement remains mixed. According to recent reports, over half of US consumers have never tried plant-based meat, and about a quarter remain firm in their decision …
Researchers from the LeguFoam project at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute IVV have developed a legume-based alternative to egg white foam to make plant-based food “light and airy.” Initial assessments measuring the longevity of the egg-free foam showed that the new ingredient matches the quality of egg whites, while sensory tests revealed that it is tasty enough. Only individuals with refined palates detected a slight difference, the Fraunhofer Institute explains in the announcement. “More and more people are consciously maintaining a healthy diet and also looking for ethically unproblematic vegan products. We are addressing this need with the LeguFoam project,” Dr. Maike Föste, senior research scientist in the Food Process Development department at the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, commented. Peas, lentils, and high-pressure …
At this year’s COP29 hosted by the Azerbaijan capital Baku, the conversation around the climate impact of our global food system was once again stifled, despite various non-profits and groups calling on world leaders to reform food and agricultural policies. Amid the ongoing natural disasters taking place with regularity around the planet, notably absent from the majority of political and media debates is the impact of food production, which accounts for 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions, over half of which stem from animal agriculture (19.7% total), exceeding the emissions from the transport sector (16.2%). Not only was there an overwhelming lack of vegan options at the event, but reportedly, several menu items were mislabeled; Indian climate activist Shreya Ghodawat and Plant Based Treaty’s scientific …
Scientists from the Technical University of Denmark, collaborating with chefs from the Michelin-starred restaurant Alchemist in Copenhagen, have found that mycelium from oyster mushrooms (P. ostreatus) has excellent potential and acceptance as an alternative to meat and seafood. Although oyster mushrooms are widely consumed, the culinary qualities and food safety of their root structure have thus far never been explored. But, as part of a project funded by the Good Food Institute, the scientists used biomass fermentation to grow the mycelium on coffee grounds and wood and measure its benefits for food. After fermentation, the resulting ingredient was found to be protein-rich, containing essential vitamins such as B5 and provitamin D2, while offering lower levels of toxins and allergens compared to their fruiting bodies. The …
A new research initiative led by the Danish Technological Institute (Teknologisk Institut) is exploring the potential of fungal fermentation as an alternative protein source to meet the growing global demand for sustainable food and bio-based products. The ZEST project aims to convert agricultural waste into valuable biomass, including protein-rich ingredients for food, animal feed, and other bioproducts. The project focuses on using edible mushrooms to ferment agricultural by-products such as sugar beet residues, surplus grains from brewing, and fruit peels. These materials are pre-treated and then fed to fungi in bioreactors, where they are converted into biomass. Xiaoru Hou, senior project manager at the Danish Technological Institute, explained to Food & Drink Technology, “The culture consists of fungal strains that convert agricultural residues into biomass, …
A survey commissioned by Global Knives has found that 1 in 4 British households intend to serve an alternative to turkey this Christmas, with those aged between 26 and 35 the most likely to make the switch. In some regions, the trend away from turkey is even more significant, with 50% of respondents in Portsmouth, 38% in York, and 33% in Cambridge saying they will opt for an alternative. It is not clear what percentage of these alternatives will be plant-based; however, a recent Tesco survey found that over 27% of respondents will serve or consider prioritising meat-free options this Christmas, supporting the idea that many consumers plan to avoid animal products. Vegetable-based festive dishes Tesco notes that plant-based shoppers are increasingly turning to veg-led …
The health and nutrition landscape is witnessing a significant shift as yeast protein gains recognition for its comprehensive benefits. Recent research and market trends highlight this sustainable protein source’s growing impact in supporting active lifestyles and overall wellness. AngeoPro yeast protein from the leading yeast and biotech company Angel Yeast, derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, demonstrates impressive nutritional credentials with its 80% protein content and complete amino acid profile. The protein stands out for its excellent biological value, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for optimal muscle protein synthesis and recovery. One of the most notable features of Angel yeast protein AngeoPro is its slow-digesting properties, providing sustained amino acid and energy release and prolonged satiety. This makes it an excellent choice not only for …
The Vegan Society acknowledges that cultivated meat has potential benefits, such as reducing animal slaughter and suffering, environmental improvements (less land and water usage, reduced greenhouse emissions), reduced zoonotic disease risks, and decreased antibiotic resistance. However, the organization states, “Cultivated meat is not vegan. Furthermore, it may never be considered vegan.” In a newly released research briefing, The Vegan Society discusses the intersections between veganism, ethics, and cultivated meat, highlighting the current limitations in alignment with vegan principles and ethical considerations. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Our policy position makes clear, cultured meat is not vegan”[/perfectpullquote] The paper also provides readers with essential information on the technology that has moved from a “fringe idea found only in science fiction” to being approved in …
KMC, a Danish co-operative focused on the production of potato-based ingredients, announces the development of a new ingredient called Cheesemaker for the production of plant-based pizza cheese. The new development is KMC potato starch, which is designed to provide extensibility and texture in plant-based cheese alternatives. According to the cooperative, the new ingredient will improve the range of plant-based cheeses in three areas. Firstly, it will provide good stretchability when melted. Secondly, it would offer a practical advantage over its dairy counterpart. And finally, a plant-based cheese with the new ingredient should have a strong nutritional profile. “This opens the door for manufacturers to produce a best-selling plant-based pizza cheese that fulfils consumer expectations in many ways,” explains the cooperative, which has previously developed a …
Protein Industries Canada has announced a new initiative aimed at increasing the domestic processing of Canadian-grown soybeans, in partnership with Alinova Canada Inc., Marusan Ai Co., Earth’s Own Foods, and YOSO (Flamaglo Foods). The project, which will establish a pilot-scale soy powder facility in Ontario, is expected to add value to Canada’s soybean crops, which are primarily exported for processing abroad. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Canada’s agriculture sector has a strong reputation for high-quality crops, and we can build on this by bringing the processing of those crops back home to Canadian soil”[/perfectpullquote] Alinova Canada Inc., a joint venture between DJ Hendrick International Inc. (DJHII) and Marusan Ai Co., will lead the project to develop and commercialize a new soy powder. This …
AI biotech company Cradle has raised $73 million in a Series B funding round led by IVP and backed by Index Ventures and Kindred Capital, bringing its total funding to over $100 million. Based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Zurich, Switzerland, Cradle was founded by ex-Googlers Stef van Grieken (CEO) and Daniel Danciu (CTO) in 2021 to make biology engineering more accessible and efficient with AI. Its team comprises machine learning and biotech research specialists from leading companies such as Zymergen, Novartis, Uber, Meta, DeepMind, and Perfect Day. AI-powered protein engineering platform The funds will help Cradle scale its operations to accelerate the adoption of its core product — an AI-powered protein engineering platform — designed to discover and develop animal-free foods, life-changing therapeutics, and sustainable …
